RentData

Average Rent in Newport, RI↑ Rents rising 8.3% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 85,095

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Newport, RI has rental prices ranging from $1,904/month to $3,981/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,916/month — 37% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $100,859/year, spending $1,916/month on a 1-bedroom represents 23% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Newport Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,507/month, Newport ranks #1 most expensive of the 2 cities tracked in Rhode Island — pricier than 99% of all US cities in our data.

The Newport Rental Market

The Newport, RI area has a population of about 85,095 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Newport, RI have risen by $193/month (8.3%) over the past year, from $2,314 to $2,507. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Newport, RI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $76,640. The local median household income of $100,859 exceeds that threshold by $24,219, making Newport relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Newport, RI is $966,419, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 32.1. With a break-even horizon of approximately 32 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Newport's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are North End ($595,203 median home value), Kerry Hill/Van Zandt ($712,268 median home value), Downtown ($771,539 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,904
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,916
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$2,507
↑8.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$3,327
Average
4 Bedrooms
$3,981
Expensive
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Median Home Value
$966,419
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$5,144/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Newport, RI Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$100,280/year
Local median income: $100,859
To buy a median home
$205,748/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $2,507/month and 20% down on a $966,419 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in RIlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Westerly$1,391$1,400$1,832$2,325—

Rent or Buy in Newport?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Newport data

$
Home Value
$966,419
2BR Rent
$2,507/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$5,144/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $7,117/movs rent: $2,507/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $966,419 home at 7% rate

20% — $193,284
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$5,144
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$773,135
Total Paid
$1,851,728
Total Interest
$1,078,593
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Newport

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Newport

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Newport

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Newport

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in RI

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⚖️Compare Newport

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📋RI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections